Lawmakers Demand FAA Action on NOTAM System Outages

A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers, led by Senators Amy Klobuchar and Shelley Moore Capito, has raised concerns regarding outages of the Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) system, which provides critical safety messages to pilots. The lawmakers have requested detailed information from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) about the outages that occurred in February and March, emphasizing the need for modernization to ensure passenger safety. They pointed out that the FAA is required to establish a modernized NOTAM system and a backup by September 2024, a deadline that has already been missed. The lawmakers highlighted that the FAA may need up to $354 million for the system replacement, aligning with broader infrastructure improvement plans. In their letter, they stressed the importance of timely implementation to prevent future disruptions and ensure that flights remain safe and on time. The push for answers and action reflects growing frustration with the FAA's handling of the outdated system.